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Top 7 advantages of studying at Seneca Polytechnic for international students

Top 7 advantages of studying at Seneca Polytechnic for international students

This university is the perfect choice for international students, offering unique programs, generous scholarships, and guaranteed job placement.

Seneca Polytechnic stands out among Canadian educational institutions with its many unique opportunities for international students. This public polytechnic university, with a budget of about $1 billion CAD, invests all profits into developing student programs and modern technologies. Let's look at seven key advantages that make this polytechnic university an excellent choice for quality education in Canada.

1. Maintaining 95% of programs eligible for post-graduation work permits

Seneca Polytechnic's main competitive advantage is its ability to keep almost all its programs on the list eligible for post-graduation work permits. While many colleges have lost up to 70% of such programs due to new government restrictions, Seneca has maintained 95% of its offerings.

The secret to this success lies in close collaboration with 14,000 employers across Canada. The institution has always offered programs that are genuinely in demand in the job market, not just popular among students. When the government introduced restrictions on programs unrelated to economic needs, Seneca came out ahead.

This means graduates from almost all Seneca programs can obtain a three-year work permit and use their Canadian work experience to immigrate through Express Entry or provincial programs.

2. Innovative three-year bachelor's programs — save 25% time and money

Seneca Polytechnic became the first polytechnic institution in Ontario to offer three-year bachelor's degrees. These programs allow international students to save a whole year of study and up to 25% of total education costs.

Available three-year programs:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration — a core business program with options for further specialization
  • Bachelor of Computer Science — a practically oriented IT program
  • Bachelor of Science in Cosmetic Science — the only such program in Canada

The unique feature of these three-year programs is that upon completion, students can either start their career or continue to a fourth year for specialization in marketing, human resources, or accounting. This flexibility allows students to determine their career direction during their studies.

3. Unique Cosmetic Science program

The Bachelor's program in Cosmetic Science is Seneca Polytechnic's crown jewel and the only such program in Canada. It's not about learning makeup application or manicures, but serious scientific training for specialists in developing cosmetic and medical products.

Students study fundamental sciences — biology, chemistry, formulation of cosmetic products from creams to decorative cosmetics, color theory and work with various components, regulatory requirements, and quality control. The program includes work with modern equipment worth up to $150,000 CAD per unit in specialized laboratories.

The program is especially popular among Asian students — in countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, 90% of inquiries are for cosmetic science. Given that cosmetology is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, graduates have excellent career prospects.

4. Unmatched internship system — 95% paid

The quality of internships at Seneca Polytechnic is nationally recognized — in 2024, the institution ranked second in Canada after the University of Waterloo. The main difference from other colleges is that 95% of internships are paid.

Employers highly value Seneca students and are willing to pay them for work even during their studies. Some programs, such as the Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence Development, include two paid internships lasting several months each.

Internships are not just an opportunity to earn money, but also a chance to gain real work experience, build professional connections, and often receive job offers even before graduation.

5. Generous scholarship system up to $5,000 CAD

Seneca Polytechnic offers one of the most attractive scholarship programs among Canadian colleges. The automatic scholarship for all international students reaches $5,000 CAD and is distributed as follows:

  • $2,000 CAD in the first year of study
  • $1,000 CAD in each subsequent year
  • An additional $1,000 CAD for students with an active work permit

Besides the main scholarship, over 200 additional academic achievement scholarships ranging from $500 CAD to $2,000 CAD are available for active students with good grades. Students from Ukraine can apply for a special government scholarship of up to $10,000 CAD.

The unique feature of Seneca's scholarship system is that the main scholarship is automatically provided to all eligible candidates — no need to compete or write motivation letters.

6. Comprehensive student support 16 hours a day

Half of Seneca Polytechnic's staff are not teachers, but student support service employees. The central support hub operates from 8:00 AM to midnight, helping to resolve any issues that arise.

The support system includes:

  • A mentorship program where senior students help newcomers adapt
  • Free additional classes for students experiencing academic difficulties
  • Academic advisors for planning educational trajectories
  • Assistance in transferring to more suitable programs if needed
  • Career services and lifelong employment assistance

It's important to note that if a student struggles with their chosen program, academic advisors will help transfer them to a more suitable specialty rather than simply expelling them. Seneca's goal is to ensure the success of every student.

7. Best opportunities for employment during studies

Seneca Polytechnic provides exceptional opportunities for work during studies. At the Newnham campus alone, 450 students work with a salary of about $18 CAD per hour.

Benefits of working on campus:

  • Work schedule fully adapts to class schedule
  • No limitations on the number of working hours
  • Can be combined with off-campus work
  • Opportunity to earn a minimum of $2,000 CAD per month

Working while studying not only helps cover living expenses but also demonstrates time management and teamwork skills to future employers. Students with work experience have a significant advantage when seeking employment after graduation.

Strategies for students already in Canada

For students whose work permits are expiring, Seneca offers special "Back to School" strategies. Returning to studies allows:

  • Maintaining legal status in Canada
  • Gaining the right to work part-time
  • Waiting for improvements in the Express Entry situation
  • Obtaining additional qualifications to increase competitiveness

Students who already have a Canadian diploma and work permit receive an additional $1,000 CAD scholarship when enrolling in a new program.

Important Warnings

Despite the many advantages, it's crucial to realistically assess your capabilities. Medical and cybersecurity programs require serious preparation and continuous self-education.

Special attention should be paid to cybersecurity programs — despite the high demand for specialists, newcomers find it very difficult to land their first job in this field. Employers prefer experienced professionals, as mistakes can cost millions of dollars.

Planning for admission should begin 8-10 months before the start of studies, especially considering new requirements for provincial confirmation and possible changes in immigration policies.

Seneca Polytechnic offers a unique combination of quality education, practical experience, and real opportunities for building a successful career in Canada. Choosing the right program and taking a serious approach to your studies will open doors to a bright future in one of the world's most prosperous countries.

Admission Assistance

Our company is an official partner of Seneca Polytechnic and will help you not only enroll in this prestigious institution but also properly prepare all documents for obtaining a student visa.

Book a consultation today and take the first step towards your Canadian education!

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  • #three-year bachelor's programs
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  • #paid internships
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